WORKING LUNCH WITH ROS

PARK HYATT – MELBOURNE

KATE ATKINSON - Vice President, Global Sales ASPAC of Hyatt Hotels

Kate Atkinson’s role at Hyatt Hotels, comes with the sort of culinary access that most of us food lovers, may only dream about.

The Vice President, Global Sales ASPAC, Hyatt Hotels, is based at the Hyatt’s regional hub at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, so dining at the establishment’s five-star ‘radii restaurant’ is almost her office lunch room.

Lesser personalities (myself included), would be signing up to Dessert Eaters Anonymous within weeks. However, in all things, Kate Atkinson is measured.

Kate Atkinson – Vice President – Global Sales ASPAC Hyatt Hotels

“The Hyatt philosophy around produce is that we provide food thoughtfully sourced and carefully served. It’s all about local, ethical producers from the best that Australia has to offer.”

“We then curate seasonal menus that support these suppliers and producers and help to reduce the hotels’ carbon footprint,” she says.

“Sustainability is key with access to local beehives as well as herb gardens on site,” she points out.

Hyatt Regency – Sydney

HYATT CANBERRA

HYATT KINGSGATE – C.1981

“The Hyatt philosophy around produce is that we provide food thoughtfully sourced and carefully served. It’s all about local, ethical producers from the best that Australia has to offer.”

“We then curate seasonal menus that support these suppliers and producers and help to reduce the hotels’ carbon footprint,” she says.

“Sustainability is key with access to local beehives as well as herb gardens on site,” she points out.

Hyatt hotels have been part of the fabric of Australian life since 1981 with the opening of the Hyatt Kingsgate at the top of Kings Cross. It was also the hotel chain’s first foray into the South Pacific.

I mention that as a young reporter, I was sent to spend a night there and write about my experience. I had been blown away by the opulence and the level of service.

PARK HYATT – SYDNEY

HYATT ANDAZ – GOLD COAST

“That hotel did attract a big celebrity clientele at that time,” she says, “everyone wanted to stay there.”

Melbourne had to wait for its taste of Hyatt hospitality until 1986 with the opening of the Hyatt On Collins (now the Grand Hyatt). But it was worth the wait and quickly became a meeting place for the city. Then came the Park Hyatt, which opened in 1999 – the shining star.

In the middle of next year, Atkinson says that it will be Queensland’s turn to benefit from the Hyatt chain with the opening of the Andaz Gold Coast.

Situated within the Star Entertainment Complex on Broadbeach Island, the property will be a showplace and in keeping with the Andaz brand’s philosophy “a true extension of its surrounding neighbourhood.”

Its architecture is by Australian firm DBI Architects, along with contemporary interiors by award-winning Australian design firm Hachem.

Kate Atkinson has no doubt,that everyone will want to experience the Andaz Gold Coast for themselves.